"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess

The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre aims to present an accurate history as chroniclers of early Australian military developments from 1899 to 1920.

The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre site holds over 12,000 entries and is growing daily.

In 1911, Lieutenant-Colonel P. L. Murray, produced a marvellous Boer War reference detailing all the contingents sent from Australia to South Africa, giving a brief history of the formation and finally, listing all the soldiers who saw service in South Africa with that unit. The book was called, Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa. It is now the standard reference and starting place for any person interested in pursuing information about Australian involvement in the Boer War.

Murray, P. L., Official Records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa, pp. 61 - 69.

The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men known to have served at one time with the New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron and gave their lives in service of Australia, whether as part of the New South Wales Mounted Rifles, "A" Squadron or another unit during the Boer War.

Roll of Honour

William John ABRAHAMS, Killed in Action Abraham's Kraal, 10 March 1900.

Alfred Edward Elkington ALLEN, Wounded in Action Spruitfontein, 6 April 1900; Died of Enteric fever at Pretoria, 18 October 1900.

The following is an alphabetical roll of all Australians known members of the many military formations which embarked overseas during the South African (Second Boer) War, 1899-1902.

Each man is detailed on this reference list with the following information:

Service Number;

Rank on Embarkation;

First Names;

Family Name;

If applicable, any false name employed; and,

Service unit.

Notes

Note 1: All soldiers’ names are linked to the specific unit and date when embarkation occurred.

Note 2: There are duplications of some names in the following list. The reason for this is that the soldier embarked on more than one occasion. This was the simplest way of resolving the problem of multiple entries for a single individual.

After the arrival of Captain JW Legge in South Africa, he sent a series of letters to Sydney describing the activities of the New South Wales Infantry Contingent. They are a mixture of action and issues and so allow the reader to get to know this unit in an intimate manner. The personality of Legge comes through very clearly in his commentaries. The following is a transcript of his letter dated 28 December 1899.

I have the honour to report that, since leaving Cape Town, the regular routine of drills has been carried out, except where interrupted by bad weather.

The health of the men has been good, except some cases of high favour resulting from vaccination, and that of No. 33 Pte Coxhead, who has been reported by the Medical Officer as suffering from rheumatic fever and unable to proceed on Active Service. If possible he will be sent back to Sydney.

There has been no crime to speak of, the few cases being rather the result of inexperience.

On arrival at Port Elizabeth the SS Aberdeen was ordered to Capetown, where we arrived this morning. There has been a great amount of routine to go through before advancing to the front.

I am under orders to start tonight or early tomorrow morning for De Aar, where the rest of the Australian Infantry with us will join one Battalion under Colonel Hoad with Major Eddy as Second in Command.

The whole of the transport and stores have to be left behind with the Mounted Rifles except personal equipment, tents, blankets, WP sheets, and cooking pots, also the Maxim Gun and 1 set of harness.

A buck wagon and Scotch cart, with mules is to be supplied at De Aar.

It is needless to say that we are all disappointed at this turn, as we are prevented from gaining experience through close association with an Imperial Battalion.

The question of pay is on that is full of difficulties. The local Paymaster states that no arrangement has been made at all by the NSW Government. This means that I cannot keep faith with those men who have signed to draw more than Imperial rates in South Africa. Further I am informed that I can only draw and must draw in full for any particular period.

The result is that I cannot draw as much, as they are entitled to, for some men, while for others I must draw more than they are entitled to receive here, on account of payment to their order at home. In the latter case I can hardly make the man sign for a larger amount and receive on a smaller.

I must respectfully ask therefore to be absolved from confusion of accounts, which has been put beyond my control.

The Company Officers and the men are taking 3 day's rations and an emergency ration, and full supplies of Ball Ammunition when leaving tonight, as the line is not in a safe condition on one flank.

Respecting the pay, I beg to point out that I have in hand some £260 undrawn by some of the men. This I propose to use if necessary, although representing savings, and I trust that I may be credited with the necessary remittance monthly. I have acquainted Lieutenant's Holmes and Logan with the contents of this letter, so as to provide for contingencies.

The men appear to be keen and confident, under the circumstances, and they are the only Australians who have had experience with the Martini Lee Enfield Rifle, they ought to do well. Some very fair collective ball firing was done on the voyage.

I have etcSigned JS Legge, Captain,Commanding NSW Infantry Unit.

Cape Town, 6 December 1899

Captain Antill desires me to state that he posted his report before leaving regarding the pay and that he fully concurs. It is hoped that the differences between Imperial rates and the portion of the NSW rate drawn here may be remitted as requested. There is further no pay available for the period December 1st to December 8th inclusive.

Signed JG Legge, Captain.

War Diaries

All War Diaries cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:

The following transcript is of a letter written by Captain John Macquarie Antill, Officer Commanding the New South Wales Mounted Rifles contingent to South Africa to the New South Wales Chief Staff Officer and Assistant Adjutant General Colonel Henry Douglas Mackenzie.

I beg to report, following one from Melbourne, that the SS "Aberdeen" arrived at this port at 10 am this day.

The passage from Melbourne has been very rough, a heavy sea the greater part of the way, finishing with a gale the last twenty-four hours.

No horses have been lost, although two got down yesterday morning, and were with difficulty recovered.

The health of the troops is very good, except a few colds. Private Nicholson (Forbes) Mounted Rifles developed Gonorrhoeal Rheumatism at Melbourne and has been in Hospital since. A Medical Board has reported that he is unlikely to be convalescent for some time, and that as his complaint necessitates isolation and is dangerous to men living in the same quarters I have after consultation with Captain Legge and on their strong recommendation decided to return him from Albany. He will return by the first available boat. I have directed him to report to you on arrival.

The spirits of the men are good, although up to date a number have suffered from sea-sickness.

When weather permits drill and exercise is carried on by both units.

I have the honour to be,Sir,Your obedient servantJM Antill, CaptainCommanding Troops per SS "Aberdeen".

All War Diaries and letters cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:

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